Last week, Key Biscayne residents learned about details on the upcoming two-year rehabilitation project on three bridges along the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Officials with Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works, speaking during a virtual public meeting, said lane closures on the West Bridge and William Powell Bridge would be limited “to about three months” of that entire project and would likely take place between the hours of 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., and not on weekends or special event days.
Construction is expected to begin this spring on the $4,054,085 project, described as routine, preventive maintenance done every 10 to 15 years to extend the expected 75-year lifespan of bridges.
The Bear Cut Bridge would also be due within the next 10 years.
“A lot of work still needs to be done with the County, City and the Village,” Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco said, noting he would be interested in looking closely at the final traffic plan.
Joint expansion work will need to be done above the driving surface, while most of the work will take place below, officials said.
“We’re glad this work is moving forward,” Village Manager Steve Williamson said. “It needs to be done. It’s important work.”
Williamson wanted to make sure DTPW officials would stay in contact with the Village throughout the project to “inform early, inform frequently, and make sure we have a plan for events (on Virginia Key) and plans for the high traffic period, which usually is between January and May.”
“We are aware of special events and we understand about peak season,” said Miguel Soria, the Assistant Director of Highway Engineering for DTPW, who also added that minor repairs to the top deck can be scheduled at different times.
The final details still must be ironed out P&P Contracting, Inc., which delivered the final design plans in November 2024. Funding for the County-maintained bridges comes from the causeway toll revenue.
How will it work?
The latest bridge inspection report in 2024 highlighted deficiencies relating to concrete delamination, such as cracks and spalls to the beams and girders, concrete columns, pier caps, piles and pile caps, new and existing pile jackets and seawall bulkhead caps and panels.
Also in need of repair are expansion joints, concrete slope protection, lighting and electrical systems and the replacement of chain link fence access.
The West Bridge (near the toll plaza) was constructed in 1944 and widened in 1985 with the addition of the second West Bridge. Ten years ago, a rehabilitation project took place.
The William Powell Bridge, over the Intracoastal Waterway, was built in 1985 but has not had a major rehabilitation since then.
As the work progresses, and the need to close some lanes arises, at least one lane will always be open.
During Phase I, repairs to the east side lanes of the West Bridge along the pedestrian walk (a temporary walkway with a separator will be installed) will commence first.
Two lanes on the West Bridge, going east, will remain open (four lanes merging into two), while one lane, going west, will stay open (three lanes merging into one lane) during Phase 1. Two lanes will be open each way during Phase II.
On the William Powell Bridge, one lane will be open in each direction, with three lanes merging into one lane westbound and two lanes merging into one eastbound.
During Phase II, the situation will be similar with work being done in the other lanes.
Miami-Dade County will monitor for noise and dust in those areas.
For questions, please call (305) 375-2810 or email DTPWOutreach@miamidade.gov with your queries.